The 30-year-old has been benched for United’s last three games following his display in the 3-1 defeat at Vicarage Road last month.

But while Rooney admits he understands his manager’s decision, the forward insists he is ready to fight for his pace.

‘Listen, I had a bad game at Watford. I played bad, I know that and I understand that,’ said the United captain.

‘I think if he [Mourinho] was picking the next team on the back of that, I understand not playing. The team have done well, certainly in the Leicester game since that. I understand I have to work hard and try and get back and try and get my chance and take it.

Rooney admits he was ‘bad’ in the 3-1 defeat to Watford last month. (Getty Images)

‘I don’t think he meant I’d come back a different player. We had come back and lost three games on the run.

‘The team came back different, but I’ll take a lot of that. Of course, I’ve done that throughout my career, but we have to work as a team in terms of trying to win and, if I’m on the bench, so be it.

‘I’ll fight. I won’t not fight for my place, I’ll fight to try and get back in.’